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The GLSEN Respect Awards is a yearly event where the work of educators, students, individuals, and corporations that have positively affected the experience of LGBTQ+ youth is recognized.

At the May 2018 ceremony held in New York, it was announced that the LHS Total Equality Alliance was selected as a finalist for GSA (gender/sexuality alliance) of the year. The club was also mentioned in the program as an Honor Roll member.

“This is a national level award, and this is the first time the Total Equality Alliance has been recognized as a finalist for it,” said Lindsey Buck, the sponsor of the club. “TEA was nominated for the award by educators and community members, and from those nominations, the club was chosen as a finalist.”

“We did a lot last year in terms of getting the school to recognize trans kids and LGBT people in general,” said Asa Miller, a member of TEA. The club also plays a major role in Miller’s school life. “We do activities outside of the club like setting up the glass cases and homecoming and stuff,” they said. “It’s a big part of it.”

Miller believes there was one event in particular that most likely helped the club receive this finalist position.

“The protest was a big part,” Miller said, referencing the large sit-in protest held last year due to transphobic comments made on an LHS student group chat.

TEA meets on Wednesdays after school, and is looking forward to another successful year.

“There was a great turn out at the club fair, and we had nearly 40 students sign up for the club,” said Mrs. Buck. “As club sponsors, Mr. Frye and I always look forward to meeting the students and seeing all the amazing things they will accomplish this year.”